Are we done yet?

The end of the year is closing in here in New York and many of us are trying to make sure we plan enough time for review and finals before the kiddos get burned out!


Many of the blogs that I follow are teacher that are outside of New York. For example, Math = Love author Sarah Carter has already had her last day, packed up her classroom, and moved into another building!


So, the pressure is on to look to the future - next year! What to do?!?! Normally, I'd be worried about budget cuts (which follows you around no matter what stage of teaching you're in) and if they'd cut my position. I used to be low man in the Special Education department, but good news has come my way! First, a new Special Education teacher has been hired to teach a 6:1:1 classroom at the Intermediate School and they're looking to hire another for the Middle School and High School. This means that there will be at least two other people with less seniority than I do. In addition, last week the Board of Education voted on the recommendation of tenure for me. The motion to accept was passed and they voted unanimously to grant me tenure! Phew! I've taught in several school districts and it's super exciting to have a teaching "home".


While I'm going start thinking about what to do next year - I'll wait until the department head gives us a heads up about our teaching assignments. REALLY hoping that I'll have 7th graders and 15:1 Social Studies 7 & 8 again! Out of working with HS students and MS students, the 7th graders this year have been the best. Just the right blend of excitement and maturity. Although, my secret wish is that the school will assign me all of the 15:1 Social Studies classes for the MS and HS (our MS/HS is at one campus and buildings connected).


So, maybe I'll just have to be patient and wait to plan. In the meantime, I'm going with my amazing 8th graders to Washington, D.C. next week. We're going to nerd out at the museums!